Joint statement from L.A. Unified Board of Education President Dr. Ref Rodriguez and Vice President Mónica García on President Trump’s intent to discriminate against LGBTQ Americans

"We teach history for a reason."

July 26, 2017

In the Los Angeles Unified School District, we pride ourselves on being an educational institution that welcomes all to learn, to teach and to lead. In history classes across our District, we relive past instances where intolerance bred fear and discrimination impeded our progress as a nation. We are a District that embraces all gender identities and will continue to act accordingly.

The protection of our nation’s freedom has been guaranteed not by presidents nor draft deferments but by individuals – including those who are LGBTQ - willing to sacrifice life and limb and families’ bearing the burden of worry and absence.

In Los Angeles schools, we will not tolerate bullying, harassment, or harm against any child, adult or community member because of their identity. We will continue to encourage and support every child to reach their full potential in the career path of their choice.

“As a gay, Latino first-generation immigrant who is proud to be a member of the LGBTQ community, I am deeply disappointed to hear of the president’s proposal to ban transgender persons from serving their country,” said Board President Dr. Ref Rodriguez. “We must be a nation that celebrates and reveres individuals of all gender identities, not a nation that expels them. I am reminded of my responsibility to stand in front of any individual or policy that would discriminate and hurt my community. To all of our beautiful trans people: I see you, I hear you, and I love you."